Recent papers from CSCP researchers

July 2014

Two new articles on Pt and Co Fischer-Tropsch type catalysts probed using CO2 methanation by Simon Beaumont and co-workers have just appeared online. The first in JACS on the in situ observation of cobalt reduction by platinum using x-ray absorption spectroscopy:

Despite the fact that the catalytic activity of Cr and W imido complexes in ethylene dimerization processes has been studied by various authors, to date the analogous Mo catalysts have not been studied. In this HOT article, Phil Dyer and co-workers set out to fill this gap in our knowledge and several molybdenum bis(imido) complexes were tested for ethylene dimerization catalysis in combination with EtAlCl2, showing moderate activity when bulky aryl substituents at the imido ligand are employed. In contrast, when MeAlCl2 is used the activity of the catalyst decreases considerably. To understand the role of the activator in these processes the authors have determined the molecular structures of several complexes derived of the reaction of bis(imido) molybdenum compounds with different aluminium halide reagents.

We now think we know how direct amide formation works, a reaction which has been around since 1885 and may have been an important reaction for the origin of life on earth. It likely involves acid activation by H-bonded acid dimers, see Prof. Andy Whiting's paper:

"The Direct Amide Formation Reaction: Mechanism Studies and the Key Role of Carboxylic Acid H-Bonding"